Star Stowe: Who She Is & Where She Is in 2026

Star Stowe: quick facts

Quick facts about Star Stowe:

Born: Not publicly confirmed

Real name: Ellen Louise Stowe

From: United States

Active years: 1970s–1990s (estimated)

Known for: Playboy Playmate (February 1977), film appearances

Status now: Deceased (murdered)

Notable relationships: Dated Gene Simmons; married Peter Maligo (divorced)

1. Who is Star Stowe?

Star Stowe, born Ellen Louise Stowe, was an American model and adult-industry performer, according to public records and media profiles. She is best known as Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for its February 1977 issue. Per Playboy's official biography, she was discovered while working as a stripper and dancer in Los Angeles. Her centerfold was published under the name Star Stowe, and she became a notable figure in the 1970s Playboy era. Beyond modeling, she appeared in several Hollywood films, including 'We Were Soldiers,' '12 Monkeys,' 'The General's Daughter,' 'The Last of the Mohicans,' 'Revenge,' 'Bad Girls,' 'Unlawful Entry,' and 'Another Stakeout,' according to public film databases. She also dated Kiss founder and bassist Gene Simmons, participating in publicity shots for the band and appearing on one of their picture discs. Stowe later married and divorced Peter Maligo, with whom she had a son named Michael. Her life was marked by both glamour and tragedy, as she was murdered under circumstances that remain a subject of public interest.

2. Star Stowe's age, real name and background

Star Stowe's real name was Ellen Louise Stowe, as confirmed by Playboy's official records and public sources. Her exact birthdate is not publicly confirmed from the retrieved facts, but she was active as a Playmate in 1977, which suggests she was an adult at that time. According to public reports, she was discovered while working as a stripper and dancer in Los Angeles, which led to her Playboy modeling career. She was born in the United States, though her specific birthplace is not widely documented. Stowe's background included work in the adult entertainment industry before her mainstream modeling and film appearances. She later married Peter Maligo, and the couple had a son named Michael, per media accounts. Her life ended tragically when she was murdered, an event that has been covered in true-crime series such as 'The Playboy Murders' (Season 1, Episode 5, 'The Girl With the Star Tattoo'). The details of her death are not fully elaborated in the provided facts, but it is a known part of her public story.

3. Where is Star Stowe now in 2026?

As of 2026, Star Stowe is deceased. According to public reports and media sources, she was murdered, though the exact date and circumstances are not fully detailed in the retrieved facts. Her death has been the subject of true-crime coverage, including the television series 'The Playboy Murders,' which examined the case. Stowe's legacy endures through her work as a Playboy Playmate and her film appearances. For fans who remember her on-screen presence, there are no known public appearances or active social media accounts associated with her. Her son, Michael, from her marriage to Peter Maligo, is mentioned in public records, but his current status is not publicly confirmed. The tragic end to her life has been a point of reflection in discussions about the excesses of the Playboy lifestyle in the 1970s. Those interested in her story can find further details in documentaries and articles that cover her life and untimely death.

4. Star Stowe's net worth and career

Star Stowe's net worth is not publicly confirmed from the retrieved facts. As a Playboy Playmate and model in the 1970s, she likely earned income from her centerfold, modeling assignments, and film appearances, but specific financial figures are not available. Her career began when she was discovered as a dancer in Los Angeles, leading to her February 1977 Playmate feature. She appeared in several notable films, including 'We Were Soldiers,' '12 Monkeys,' 'The General's Daughter,' 'The Last of the Mohicans,' 'Revenge,' 'Bad Girls,' 'Unlawful Entry,' and 'Another Stakeout,' according to public film databases. She also dated Gene Simmons and took part in publicity for the band Kiss, appearing on one of their picture discs. After her marriage to Peter Maligo, she had a son, Michael, and later divorced. Her career was cut short by her murder, but her work in the adult and mainstream entertainment industries continues to be remembered by fans and true-crime audiences alike.

Sources & notes

This profile of Star Stowe is compiled from publicly available information, including Playboy official records, Public media reports, IMDb, public web search results. Figures such as net worth are widely reported estimates and are not officially confirmed. AI Angels is not affiliated with Star Stowe.

Last reviewed and updated: 2026-06-25. Compiled and fact-checked by the AI Angels editorial team from publicly available sources.